THE UNSIGNED letter went to 50,000 women in Spain. The pink envelope, the suggestive language and the offer of an affair led many to believe they were being stalked by a psychopathic sex maniac.

Some called the police, husbands became jealous, families hired guards. 'Yesterday I saw you again,' the letter said breathlessly. 'We passed in the street . . . How about a little affair . . . I only need to be with you for a few minutes . . . You will never forget our experience together.'

The stalker was the Fiat motor company trying to sell its latest small car. A second letter was meant to follow with the name of the nearest dealer. Yesterday Fiat apologised and called off the campaign.